SASKATOON, May 24, 2017 /CNW/ - Supporting programs that help at-risk youth stay out of trouble is important to the Government of Canada. Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, along with Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill, announced that $2 million in federal funding has been made available under the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) for the crime prevention project Early Intervention Project in Saskatoon.

The project will support up to 300 youth and their parents or caregivers through an internationally recognized evidence-based parenting and family intervention model, known as the Strengthening Families Program.

The Strengthening Families Program model focuses on strengthening family relationships and teaching youth social skills to avoid problem behavior associated with violence or substance abuse.

Quotes

"Youth violence and substance abuse are serious concerns for Canadians. This project will help provide families in Saskatoon with the tools they need to help deal with problematic behaviours. I'm proud to support this initiative and help make a real difference in the community."

– The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"The Saskatoon Police Service is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada in this innovative approach to assist vulnerable youth and their families in our community. We are hopeful that this program will make a positive difference in many lives."

– Clive Weighill, Saskatoon Police Chief

Quick Facts:

The Early Intervention Project is implemented in collaboration with the Saskatoon Crime and Gang Reduction Strategy Steering Committee (SCGRSS) consisting of: the Saskatoon Tribal Council, the Saskatoon Police Service, the Saskatchewan Ministries of Social Services, Justice, and Correction and Policing, the City of Saskatoon and the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan.

family classes which allow the children and parents to practice what they have learned through practical exercises.

The National Crime Prevention Strategy provides national leadership on effective and cost-effective ways to prevent and reduce crime among at-risk populations and vulnerable communities by intervening to mitigate the underlying factors that put individuals at risk of offending. Up to $43 million is being used in 2017-2018 through grant (5%) and contribution (95%) to support NCPS in the implementation and evaluation of crime prevention programs.